Simply amazing customer service and great style. This shop is fun, whimsical and cozy. They do a…read moregreat job, from small to large and they patiently work with you to find the best solution to your framing needs. Prices are pretty much on par with every other high end framing business in the area, so know that your getting a good deal when you do business here. Framing ain't cheap these days. The artwork and pre made frames for sale are nice features, including a live in parrot which adds another level of unique quirk to the shop. I can't recommend this business enough. Well done Alley Gallery!!

I've been going to Alley for years now . . .they always come through…read more If there are issues, and they very infrequent, they will resolve them. Alley folks also work to find a proce who can afford. Great shop to browse in . . .very old school! Check them out in Evanston! Larry

They changed their name and moved farther north into downtown Evanston but carry the same unique…read morefair trade items, and still at reasonable prices. I took my daughter here to find a gift for her friend and she loved it. In under 30 minutes she had several items picked out and we quickly and easily spent over $100.

A staple for gifts (for yourself or others) & a store you can feel great about supporting!read more

A cute little gift shop in Evanston. I found some postcards to send to friends, but they also have…read morehome decor, jewelry and other gifts all packed into this little storefront. Worth a stop if you are nearby.

Yesterday we participated in our first successful Small Business Saturday…read more Stumble and Relish was on my bookmarks list and this time I had reason to go! There are many lovely crafted items. So many unique finds too! They have Evanston-centric decor and souvenirs so if you're looking for that perfect gift for yourself or a loved one, you're sure to find it here. After making your purchase, they will box your items (free of charge) upon request. This is my first opportunity shopping local and after my visit here, it won't be my last!

Best MID-Century store in the Chicago area and owner is…read moreknowledgeable and friendly

There is nothing trashy about this lovely little store. Every vintage piece showcased here is…read moreextremely well-selected and in good shape. The owner obviously has a great eye for mid-century modern design, and works with local artists to showcase their new work amidst the antiques. I've already purchased one 8-foot long sea blue-green gym bench (yeah, and it's sooooo cool), and plan to purchase more. A weekly visit would not be uncalled for. They may get sick of me.

A wonderland! This is what Pier One used to be in it's glory days!…read more I could have spend a mint in here. All the stuff you don't need, but want. Seasonal decor, clothes, fancy soaps and scents. Weird food and snacks from different countries. Booze! Furniture, candy, candles, kitchen stuff - a LOT of good stuff! And liberal discounts for new customers.

We always make a point to stop in here whenever we are in Evanston. I'm so disappointed that there…read moreare no World Markets located by me, but I'll stop in this store any time! I was so excited (and dismayed) that they already have quite a wonderful selection of Christmas ornaments (it's October) and staff were busily setting up seasonal displays with foodstuffs, decor. I'm dismayed because I'm not done with Halloween so I can't be thinking about Christmas yet but everything looks so festive and fun and I must..put...down...the...cute...ornaments...and...walk...away... I'm coming back for you,baby!

Got my bed frame from here & Barry is soo helpful! Highly recommend them for any of your furniture…read moreneeds.

Affordable Portables Is a family owned business with sense…read moreto treat all their customers like family!! You don't just get one sales person--you get a team trying to help you find what you need. They work hand in hand to give you personal service. They can also order items that aren't in the store. I had a futon mattress from them that lasted 16 years and a bed frame that could also be used as a couch--impeccably made. I bought gorgeous futon covers from them as well. They're exceptionally patient and not pushy. But above all, their inventory is cool and their ability to find interesting furniture, lamps, etc. is so very creative.

One of my very favorite shops in Evanston. The name "Secret Treasures" perfectly describes the…read morestore...and super friendly folks inside, always. Dawn is a gem hear self.

The inventory is incredible! It's like Candyland!! The staff is super helpful and the prices are…read morevery fair. Go!

A cream-puff visionary of amazing home decor and furnishings, much of which has a history and a…read moredelightful story to tell. What's cool about Ad Hoc Home is they incorporate designers without established shops within the confines of Ad Hoc, which makes a wonderful place to gather ideas, decorate ones own home or marvel at the locally sourced and sustainable furnishings that are made using unimaginable products that were almost resorted to waste. Chicago Salvage Works displays some of their best here, as do many other quality home decor and furniture producers. A feast for the eyes in beauty overload. Much is a tad pricey, yet all appears to be top quality.

From the owner: Curated home goods, home furniture and accessories.read more

What a gem! I visited The Vintage Cat for the first time yesterday and was absolutely delighted…read more This is exactly what a vintage shop should be. It's beautifully decorated inside and everything is thoughtfully arranged. There's a wonderful selection of items ranging from clothing and accessories to housewares and decor to artwork and more. My friends and I were greeted immediately upon arrival and the experience was wonderful. The items are all amazing and in great shape, and the prices are extremely reasonable. I found a gorgeous wool blazer but unfortunately it wasn't my size. My friend purchased an adorable piece of artwork at an amazing price. This shop is really a treasure. I can't wait to return.

The store is curated really well. It's not just another "dusty" resale shop looking to make a…read moreprofit off of castoffs. The owner clearly has an eye for interesting, fun objects and fashion and the items are well priced. Another thing I can rave about, the lovely staff working there. I'm an older woman and I can honestly say, recent interactions with two young women there have been so pleasant. Both hard working, pleasant and helpful. This is not always the case in vintage shops. I've bought a few cute items, a small table, some jewelry and always take a friend there when she visits.

The quality of the furniture here is well above average. Help in the store was excellent. I…read morerecommend it wholeheartedly.

We were so disillusioned by the poor quality and high prices of places like Pottery Barn, and…read morewondered "isn't anybody making furniture from solid wood anymore?" We're so glad we found Plain & Simple. It took a while for our dining table and chairs to arrive due to the pandemic (ordered in Sept, got them in Feb), but the craftsmanship is absolutely stunning. It wasn't cheap, yet it was much cheaper than Pottery Barn's "farmhouse table" and chairs/benches made from veneer, which every online forum said would chip within a month. The two delivery guys who assembled everything were great. We're very happy with the experience.